Electro-optic tuning of optical parametric oscillators

Summary form only given. Optical parametric oscillators (OPO) have become one the leading methods of providing a frequency agile source. The most common means to change the wavelength of the output is to physically rotate the crystals. Tuning of the OPO was accomplished here by manipulating the index ellipsoids of the pump, signal and idler through the electro-optic or Pockels effect. This manipulation causes a change in the index of refraction of the pump, signal and idler. In order to maintain the phase matching condition, the wavelength of the signal and idler shift were tuned. Electro-optic tuning was demonstrated using a singly resonant ring cavity configuration with two lithium niobate (LiNbO/sub 3/) crystals.